Fitness Friday - Getting back on the Fitness Train

Okay so here’s the story….I have been off the fitness train for about two weeks now due to my daughter being sick and having bronchitis myself. Now I find myself struggling to get back to the gym and my workout routine!!!!

I am sure that many of you have experienced the same dilemma from time to time. Sometimes life just “gets in the way” because of time constraints, personal commitments, sickness etc. etc. etc.….But whose kidding who?? If you don’t take care of yourself then who will!! We have to get over our excuses and make our wellbeing a priority!! You deserve to be your best self always….so let’s eliminate all of our excuses and get back on that fitness train together!!

I am going to help you to stay motivated throughout the journey… Me and my workout buddy!

Here is how I stay motivated to work out!!!

1. Set a fitness goal! Whether it be to lose 5 pounds, tone up, improve your flexibility, improve your endurance or to get ready for your first 5k, setting a goal and following it to completion will help you stay accountable to your workouts.

2. Mix it up!! Now that the weather is improving you can be sure I will be getting outside to go on walks with my daughter, getting back into tennis, hiking, swimming etc. Why don’t you try a new sport or activity or sign up for a dance class? You don’t have to limit yourself to the gym. The more enjoyable and dynamic your fitness routine is the more likely you'll be to stick to it!

1. Schedule a regular workout time! If you treat your exercise days as scheduled appointments you will be less likely to “flake out” on them because they are booked in your calendar and just as important as any other appointment you may have. And once they become part of your life you won’t want to cancel these fitness “appointments”!

2. Workout with a buddy! Not only will this add a social aspect to your workout regime but with a buddy system in place you are more likely to continue with a fitness program and hold each other accountable. Plus a little bit of friendly competition can help ramp up your fitness routine!! [Check out my cute workout buddy above]

1. Change your view of yourself! Viewing yourself as you want to be rather than what you think you are will give you an added boost of motivation. For example if you are guilty of thinking your lazy, a slob, chubby, out of shape or a couch potato (doesn’t sound very nice does it) start thinking your… fit, strong, powerful, attractive and energetic..... Also don’t frame your thinking in the future, instead of saying I want to be fit, I want to be strong, say I am fit, I am strong. It all starts with being kind to yourself.

1. Mood Regulator! Working out improves my mood dramatically… when I don’t work out every week I just feel, well… “crappy”. It gives me energy and makes me feel good about myself because I know I am taking care of my body and doing something good for myself.

2. Me Time! Working out gives me some much needed “me time”! Believe it or not those few hours a week are sometimes the only time I have for myself when I am taking care of my needs.

3. Buy some new workout clothes! I like to invest in new workout clothes from time to time. I know I know.... I am not trying to impress anybody and although I don’t see many people at the gym in my condo, when I feel I look “my best” I am motivated to workout harder and more frequently.

4. Cheat Days! I can indulge in my favourite treat and have a cheat day every week (Friday is Pizza night)!…and I have zero regret when I indulge once or twice a week because working out helps me burn off those extra calories…regret free…. I love food too much!

1. Be Patient! Give yourself sometime to get into the routine of working out if you have been out of it for a bit! After all it takes, on average, 8 weeks for something to become automatic and part of your routine so be patient with yourself!!

Remember its okay to take a break from your fitness routine. But its just as important to get back at it as soon as possible so you don’t lose momentum. If you look after your body your body will look after you!

Simply Truly Jenny...